10-Day Philippines Countryside Holiday Package to Palawan Island & Cordillera Highlands from Manila

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Beautiful flowers at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Benguet

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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Travelers

From: Manila

Description

Summary

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Duration

10 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

101 reviews

Description

Enjoy a fascinating trip to the Philippines and explore top highland attractions in Luzon as well as the most breathtaking Palawan islands. With this 10-day package, you’ll get a seamless and effortless trip that starts in Manila, explores the highlands, and makes stops through Palawan. Your vacation already includes complete transfers throughout the Philippines, accommodations, entrance fees, and experienced guides.

In 10 days, you will do more than just visit tourist sites. You’ll also get to experience new things. Expect to explore a cave, hike a mountain, swim with fishes, and more. You will also learn new things about the country and its rich history and unique culture.

On your first day, you will visit the country’s capital, Manila, where you will see historic structures in Intramuros. The following days are dedicated to the amazing highlands of Luzon. You will visit the active volcano, Mt. Pinatubo, and gaze at its amazing crater lake. You’ll also get to see a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Banaue Viewpoint.

A cooler climate is expected in the highlands of the country. You can enjoy the fresh air when you visit La Trinidad Strawberry Farm in Benguet. There might even be a chance to handpick strawberries if the fruit is in season. In Baguio, you can take a breather and simply enjoy the rustic and cozy ambiance of Camp John Hay.

The latter part of your vacation is for visiting one of the best island destinations in the world. Palawan has continued to be included in the top travel lists of both international and local media. You’ll get to see what the province is all about, from its popular tourist islands and city sites to its quiet and pristine spots. Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay and San Vicente’s Port Barton are just 2 of the Palawan destinations you will visit.

Don’t miss out on this 10-day trip to the highlands of Luzon and Palawan islands. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

9 nights accommodation (budget category)

9 days breakfast

9 lunch

All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance

Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)

Day 2 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 3 to 6 - Banaue, Sagada, Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 7 to 9 - Puerto Princesa and Port Barton Tour (Palawan)

Day 10 - Back to Manila

All transportation to and from included activities and destinations

All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Island Hopping

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Puerto Princesa City

Mt. Pinatubo

Starfish Island

Luli Island

Cowrie Island

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Honda Bay

Baker's Hill

Port Barton

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

Strawberry Farm

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Crocodile Farm

Mitra's Ranch

Plaza Cuartel

Baluarte de San Diego

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Manila

Sagada

Tarlac

Batad

Banaue Viewpoint

Atok Sakura Flowers

2nd Highest Point

Inaladelan Island

Tappiya Falls

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Manila Cathedral, a church inside Intramuros in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

On the first day of your trip, you will stay in Manila City, the capital of the Philippines. Your van will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in the Roxas Boulevard area. The Manila Tour is all about exploring its historic district, Intramuros. This walled area is home to structures that are over a hundred years old, one of which is Fort Santiago. You’ll get to visit this 16th-century citadel before making your way to Plaza Roma, a public square from the Spanish Colonial times. You can get a deeper understanding of the history of the city at the next museums you’ll visit. The first is Bahay Tsinoy and the next is Casa Manila. The latter is a replica of a grand Spanish house and features preserved heirlooms and furniture. You’ll pass through the pleasant San Diego Gardens before finally arriving at the 16th-century Baluarte De San Diego, Manila’s oldest stone fort. San Agustin Church and Museum is another impressive old stone structure of the city. This church dates back to 1607 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before heading back to your hotel, you’ll make one final stop in Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

It’s time to make your way up to the highlands of Luzon. But first, you’ll enjoy a full day ascending Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano is known throughout the world because of its devastating eruption back in the 90s. Its summit was destroyed, but it was replaced by a crater lake as the caldera was filled with rainwater. Make sure to wear proper shoes as this tour day requires a bit of hiking. Your van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the province of Tarlac. The base camp of the volcano is located in Barangay Santa Juliana. From there, you will ride a 4x4 jeep to make your way to the volcano. You’ll be crossing Crow Valley, which has a moon-like terrain, a consequence of the massive eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The roads are bumpy, craggy, and filled with lahar. Once you have reached the trail, you’ll climb up towards the crater lake on foot. The hike is quite easy and can be completed by beginners. The crater lake is a far cry from the rugged terrains surrounding Mt. Pinatubo. Here, you’ll find a lake of blue and green, surrounded by lush grass and rough mountain walls. After your tour, your van will take you to your accommodation in Nueva Ecija.

Day 3

Breathtaking view of the rice terraces in Banaue

Day 3 - Day 3: Banaue Tour

Once you have checked out of your Nueva Ecija hotel, your van will take you to the province of Ifugao, in the quiet town of Banaue. The village of Batad is truly a remote one. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Batad Rice Terraces. Once you have reached Batad, you have 3 options for your next destination. The first one is the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. It’s one of the best places to take in the beauty of the rice terraces. However, you’ll have to go on another 30-minute hike to reach it. The second option is Tappiya Waterfall. This natural site isn’t as popular as the viewpoint as it is trickier to reach. You’ll go on a longer trek but you’ll get a better reward at the end. The 30m Tappiya Waterfall is a serene spot that has a natural pool you can cool off in. The third option is Banga-an Village. This destination is the least challenging to reach but will still require a bit of walking. At Banga-an Village, you can get to meet the locals and see traditional houses. The final attraction on the itinerary is the Banaue Museum. It has a good collection of relics and artifacts of the Igorot.

Day 4

Sagada Hanging Coffins, one of the most popular tourist spots up north

Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour

After leaving Banaue, your next destination is the town of Sagada, which is nestled in a valley of the Mountain Province. This quiet and peaceful town is well-known for its hanging coffins and its caves. Your first stop in the area is the Sugong Cave. The water from the nearby Bokong Falls flows through the cave’s underground river and then goes to Kapay-aw’s rice fields. You’ll then walk through Echo Valley where you can spot the famous hanging coffins. According to research, this traditional burial has been practiced for thousands of years. For your next destination, you need to be prepared for your journey. Sumaguing Cave is the largest cave in the area, however, it is quite tricky to explore. Inside the cave are steep descents, ancient rock formations, and of course, bats. There are also natural pools inside Sumaguing Cave, it is a possibility you might get wet during your spelunking. At the Bontoc Tribal Museum, you’ll get to know more about the indigenous tribes of the mountains. You’ll get an idea of the rich culture and heritage of the area with the excellent ethnographic collection of the museum. There is even a mini-village outside the main building with replicas of tribal huts.

Day 5

2nd Highest point, considered as the second highest point in the Philippines

Day 5 - Day 5: Benguet Tour

After a day in Sagada, you will now head to Benguet Province. It is one of the main sources of vegetables in the country, that’s why it is nicknamed the Salad Bowl of the Philippines. To give you an idea of what Benguet has to offer, your first stop will be the expansive La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. This farm occupies 79 hectares of Benguet land and can produce over 1,000 metric tons of strawberries per year. During strawberry season, visitors can get the chance to handpick their own fruits. At Atok Sakura Flowers, you’ll get to see real Japanese cherry blossom trees. In 2016, Japan’s Kochi Prefectures’ government gifted the Benguet Province with 34 sakura trees. The Sakura Trees were planted and will blossom yearly with white and pink sakura flowers. Northern Blossom is a flower farm where you can view more than just colorful blooms. This tourist destination also boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Your next stop is located along the Halsema Highway. It’s the spot called 2nd Highest Point, which is the country’s second-highest point in the Philippine highway system. The short but scenic Spanish Trail is the last attraction on the itinerary. It has several tunnels or caves that you can pass through. After your tour, your van will take you to Baguio City.

Day 6

Horses lined up in Wright Park in Baguio

Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour

Get ready for a jam-packed day of visiting historic attractions, relaxing in parks, and shopping for souvenirs. Baguio City is a popular summer destination among locals. It is home to culturally- and historically-significant spots. Your first stop is the Ifugao Museum, which is across from the War Memorial Shrine. It has a wide range of Ifugao artifacts that include machetes used by headhunters, wooden spoons with intricate carvings, and even sacred wood figures. Baguio City was a key site during World War II. You can learn more about it at the next stop, the Surrender Site of General Yamashita. The city is also home to other important sites, including the Philippine Military Academy, the country’s premier military institution, and The Mansion, the official summer palace of the Philippine president. At Mines View Park, you’ll find dozens of food stalls and souvenir shops. It also has a view deck that overlooks an old mining town. The lush Wright Park is a popular spot for activities like running and jogging. It also has horseback-riding facilities. You can enjoy more of the trees and other natural sites of the city at Centennial Park. To wrap up your Baguio Tour, you’ll make a stop at Good Shepherd Convent. This is one of the most popular shops to purchase the city’s goods, like the must-try ube jam. You’ll head back to Manila after your Baguio tour.

Day 7

Boats docked on the beach of Starfish Island

Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

The next part of your tour will take place in the province of Palawan. From Manila, you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport. Puerto Princesa City is the capital of Palawan. It’s a jump-off point for island-hopping tours but also has interesting attractions of its own. For this day, you’ll be visiting the popular Honda Bay where you’ll go on an island-hopping tour. At Star Fish Island, you can spot dozens of wonderful starfishes. It’s also possible to see colorful fish underwater by snorkeling around the island. The next attraction you’ll go to is Cowrie Island, which is named as such as it is shaped like a shell. This is the largest island in Honda Bay and it offers tourist facilities. You can have lunch on this island or even take a shower. It’s also one of the best places to go for a swim. A part of the island is surrounded by a net to make sure jellyfish won’t enter the swimming area. The last island you’ll visit is the interesting Luli Island. This island appears and disappears depending on the water level. You’ll only be able to see it during low tide. After your tour of Honda Bay, your van will take you to your hotel in Sabang.

Day 8

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

On Day 8 of your vacation, you’ll get to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your van will pick you up from your Sabang hotel and take you to the port. From there, you will ride a boat to reach Puerto Princesa's Underground River. This national park has amazing cliffs and has a rich ecosystem. Inside the cave, you’ll find amazing rock formations and you might even see bats. The next part of your tour will be in the city proper of Puerto Princesa. You can sample a wide variety of baked goods at the tourist-stop, Bakers Hill. Downtown, you can learn about the dark past of the city during World War II at Plaza Cuartel. This park was formerly a Spanish garrison. You’ll meet dozens of crocodiles at the Crocodile Farm. This tourist destination also has a research center and a small zoo that houses more than just crocodiles. At Mitra’s Ranch, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. This hilltop ranch also has zip-lining and picnicking facilities. Your last stop in the city is Puerto Princesa Baywalk. This promenade offers views of the sea and the city port. Nearby are several food stalls and souvenir shops.

Day 9

Long stretch of white sand beach in Port Barton

Day 9 - Day 9: Port Barton Island Hopping

It’s time to go island-hopping again but this time, it’s going to be in a quiet seaside village. From Sabang, your van will take you to San Vicente’s Port Barton. It’s harder to access than other attractions on the island and receives fewer visitors. The result is a beach paradise with pristine islands. From Port Barton, you are going to visit a few islands and snorkeling sites via boat. The first spot you’ll visit is Inaladelan Island, which is a perfect place for beach camping. Inaladelan Island also has sports facilities, you can go kayaking or play beach volleyball. Luli Sandbar is a fascinating destination that only appears when the tide is low. During the high tide, the sandbar disappears underneath the waters. You’ll be able to spot starfishes on Luli Sandbar. You’ll also be able to experience an unforgettable and unique encounter at the turtle snorkeling site. Aside from being able to see a sea turtle up close, you can also swim with them. The last stop of your tour is the Fish and Coral Snorkeling site. After a full day under the sun at Port Barton, your van will take you back to Sabang.

Day 10

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

It’s your last day in Palawan and your 10-day tour is done. Your van will pick you up from your accommodation in Sabang and take you to the airport. You will go back to Manila by catching a flight from Puerto Princesa International Airport. The travel time back to Manila shouldn’t be longer than 2 hours.

What to bring

Facemask and Face shield

Extra Clothes

Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)

Swimwear and sunblock

Personal Medicine

Good to know

Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.

All our guides speak English. For other languages, contact us for availability and rates.

Not all establishments accept credit or debit cards, and ATMs can be limited.

Accommodation

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. All accommodation levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double, and odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to the Philippines will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Budget

Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.

Comfort

Private Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or resorts located in the city center, in close vicinity, or near the beach area. Breakfast is included and with basic room amenities and toiletries.

Quality

Rooms at four-star to a five-star hotel in the city center or beachfront resort with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations with the best amenities, facilities, and services.